Books matching: familial instability
29 result(s)
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- #1
Save:'Man Crazy' by Joyce Carol Oates is a novel that follows the life of a girl named Ingrid Boone who grows up without a father and with an ineffectual mother, facing violence, alcohol, sex, and abuse. As she matures into a woman, she makes wrong choices in pursuit of love, leading her into a murderous satanic motorcycle cult. The storyline delves into the dark and gritty aspects of Ingrid's life, showcasing her struggles and the consequences of her decisions. Oates' writing style is described as pulpy, vulgar, and at times verging on insanity, yet it also contains keen observations of human life that are thought-provoking and memorable.
- #2
Save:"Somebody's Daughter" by Ashley C. Ford is a powerful memoir that delves into the author's life from childhood to adulthood, exploring her relationships with her family members, including her incarcerated father, strained mother, and loving grandmother. The book beautifully captures the complexities of growing up in a challenging environment, dealing with family dynamics, and finding one's identity amidst struggles and hardships. Ford's writing style is described as honest, eloquent, and heartbreaking, evoking emotions of joy, pain, and resilience as she shares her story with vulnerability and bravery.
There it was. I expected and hated when my mother said those words. Two years before this call, I’d moved to Brooklyn from Indiana. Now I lived in Flatbush with my boyfriend, Kelly. Back home in the M... - #3
Save:'The Clay Girl' by Heather Tucker follows the journey of Ari, the youngest of six sisters in an extremely dysfunctional family, from the age of eight to sixteen. Ari navigates through a tumultuous childhood marked by her father's suicide, her mother's breakdown, and various forms of abuse, both physical and emotional. Despite facing dark and challenging situations, Ari encounters nurturing individuals who shape her into a resilient young lady. The novel is praised for its poetic and enigmatic language, capturing Ari's story in a unique and compelling manner as she learns to navigate through life's harsh realities.
- #4
Save:PIN is a gothic horror novel that follows the story of Ursula and Leon, orphaned siblings with a dark family dynamic. Leon becomes fixated on a mannequin named PIN, leading to a series of disturbing events that threaten to tear their family apart. The writing style is described as straightforward and easy to read, focusing on a creepy and suspenseful plot that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
The book delves into themes of obsession, family dysfunction, and psychological suspense, presenting a twisted and macabre tale that appeals to horror fans. The characters are depicted as complex and intriguing, adding layers of tension and mystery to the narrative. Despite some manufacturing errors in the physical copies, readers find the story gripping and captivating, with a quick pace that makes it a compelling read.
Just past the intriguing title of this novel, you find a charming tale narrated by four teenagers whose lives become entwined as they face unique challenges of living in Alaska in the 1970s. Ruth, Alyce, Dora, and Hank navigate friendship, love, loss, abuse, isolation, and dreams for a better future as they come to find that you don't have to be blood to be family. The prose flows beautifully through the pages, the descriptions of the landscape and the handling of cultural and background issues are utterly exquisite. A book to return to again and again, not only for the story but to marvel at its simple beauty.
Narrated by Jorjeana Marie, Erin Tripp, Karissa Vacker, and Robbie Daymond. This work is a love letter to life in Alaska and its people, good and bad. The author lived and worked there for many years. You get the sense of being suffocated in a small town yet being fully of the wilderness and wide open spaces. Bonus points for finding an actress who's an Alaska Native to read Dora's story.
At some point I stopped waiting for Mama to come back. It’s hard to hold on to a five-year-old dream, and even harder to remember people after ten years. But I never stopped believing there had to be ...- #6
Save:'Smooth Talking Stranger' by Lisa Kleypas is a contemporary romance novel that follows the story of Ella, a caring woman who takes over the care of her newborn nephew after her sister abandons him. Determined to find the baby's father, Ella meets the hunky and wealthy Jack Travis, who is thought to be the father. As Ella navigates the challenges of caring for her nephew and dealing with her own past, a strong attraction blossoms between her and Jack. The book explores themes of love, family, personal growth, and the complexities of relationships, all narrated from the viewpoint of the woman characters. Despite some minor flaws, the book delivers a heartwarming and passionate romance with a satisfying ending.
The plot of 'Smooth Talking Stranger' is filled with action, relevant issues, and heartfelt moments, making it a captivating read for fans of the Travis family series by Lisa Kleypas. The book portrays a strong and independent female protagonist in Ella, who finds herself through the exuberant love she shares with Jack and her nephew, Luke. With vivid scenes, passionate descriptions of sex, and a blend of humor and emotional depth, the novel offers a compelling exploration of love in various forms, alongside a well-crafted plot that keeps readers engaged till the end.
"Don't get it," I said as I heard the ringtone of our apartment phone. Call it a premonition, paranoia, but something about that sound severed every comfortable feeling I had managed to stitch around ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Travises ) - #7
Save:'Gas or Ass' by author Eden Connor tells the story of Shelby, a young girl whose life takes an unexpected turn when her flighty mother marries a man, Dale, and they move in with his two grown sons. As Shelby navigates this new family dynamic, she finds herself drawn into the world of drag racing and a complex web of manipulation and betrayal orchestrated by her stepbrothers. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, exploring themes of coercion, taboo relationships, and dark desires. The writing style is described as engaging, with a mix of shock, intrigue, and discomfort that keeps readers hooked from the beginning.
I re-read the college application with a sigh. Eyeing the clock, I set the laptop aside and jumped off the couch, leaving the browser window open. Stalking to the front door, I jerked it open and peer... - #8
Save:'Perfect on Paper' by Sophie Gonzales is a YA novel that follows the story of Darcy, a bisexual high school student who secretly runs a love advice system out of her locker. When caught by Alexander Brougham, the school's popular senior, she is blackmailed into helping him win back his ex-girlfriend. Despite their rocky start, Darcy and Brougham form an unlikely friendship that challenges Darcy's feelings for her best friend Brooke and her own understanding of herself. The book explores themes of friendship, love, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships, all delivered in a witty and authentic writing style that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.
Everyone in school knows about locker eighty-nine: the locker on the bottom right, at the end of the hall near the science labs. It’s been unassigned for years now; really, it should’ve been allocated... - #9
Save:'Goat Mountain' by David Vann is a dark and brutal tale set in the late 1970s, revolving around a boy, his father, his grandfather, and a family friend who embark on a deer hunting trip in the mountains of California. The story quickly spirals out of control into madness and violence, exploring the dynamics between generations of males and the violent urges that lie within. Vann's writing style is described as lyrical, moving, and reminiscent of a dark Southern Gothic worldview, painting a haunting picture of the characters and their actions.
The novel delves into the tension between Christian beliefs and human actions, presenting scenes fraught with unimaginable violence and cruelty while also offering skewed rationalizations through the psychologically damaged narrator. Vann's skill in writing extreme environments and portraying children trapped in psychopathic families adds depth to the narrative, creating a story of mythological proportions that lingers in the reader's mind long after finishing the book.
DUST LIKE POWDER blanketing the air, making a reddish apparition of the day. Smell of that dust and smell of pine, smell of doveweed. The pickup a segmented creature, head twisting opposite the body. ... - #10
Save:Negative Space by Lilly Dancyger is a poignant memoir that delves into the author's journey of uncovering her father's past and reconciling with his legacy. Through a mix of personal anecdotes and investigative journalism, Dancyger navigates through themes of addiction, art, and grief, painting a vivid picture of her tumultuous upbringing amidst the art scene in the 80s East Village. The book beautifully intertwines the story of her father's artistic endeavors with her own quest for understanding and closure, capturing the complexities of loving someone trapped in addiction.
Dancyger's writing style is described as captivating and transparent, drawing readers into the raw emotions of her experiences. She skillfully weaves together past and present narratives, exploring her father's life through his artwork and personal history, while also reflecting on her own struggles and growth. The book offers a compelling and moving exploration of family dynamics, addiction, and the search for identity and meaning in the face of loss.
There’s a photograph of my father laughing on the last day I saw him alive. It’s in a two-part frame with a picture of me, also laughing, taken in the same moment. His hand is over his mouth, covered ...
